Regain smooth, flawless skin – e-CO2 laser treatment for acne scars
Acne is a condition that often leaves unwanted reminders in the form of deep scars, tissue depressions, uneven skin texture and pigmentation. These imperfections can affect self-confidence and make us feel uncomfortable in our own skin. Unfortunately, even the most expensive cosmetics or superficial cosmetic peels may be ineffective against established structural changes. If you dream of restoring smooth, even and radiant skin, advanced treatment with the e-CO2 ablative fractional laser is currently considered a gold standard in modern dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
At our clinic, we use a high-quality certified e-CO2 laser that enables intensive yet fully controlled skin remodelling, effectively reducing even deep and long-standing acne scars.
What is the e-CO2 fractional laser and how does it work?
The e-CO2 laser is an advanced ablative device, meaning that it affects the outer layer of the epidermis, while operating in fractional mode. This means that the laser beam does not treat the entire skin surface uniformly, but creates a network of microscopic columns of thermal injury.
Healthy, unaffected tissue remains between these micro-injuries. It is this intact tissue that becomes the starting point for intensive repair processes. This phenomenon, known as photothermolysis, stimulates the body to regenerate and significantly increase the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. Scarred, abnormal tissue is gradually remodelled and replaced by new, healthier and smoother skin in a process known as resurfacing. With each subsequent treatment, scars become shallower and pores less visible.
When is the treatment recommended? (indications)
e-CO2 laser therapy is a procedure with powerful regenerative and remodelling properties. It is particularly worth considering if you are concerned about residual changes after acne and want to comprehensively improve the appearance and quality of your skin. The treatment is especially recommended for:
- Atrophic scars: Various types of skin depressions, including so-called ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars, which develop as a result of tissue loss following inflammation.
- Uneven skin texture: Rough, thickened skin with a visibly irregular or “porous” texture.
- Enlarged pores: The treatment can significantly reduce the appearance of sebaceous gland openings.
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Marks and redness remaining after acne lesions.
- Loss of firmness and elasticity: In addition to reducing scars, the e-CO2 laser can provide a strong skin-tightening and skin-density-improving effect.
What does the treatment involve step by step?
An ablative laser procedure is a medical treatment, which is why at our clinic we place particular emphasis on the highest standards of hygiene, safety and minimising patient discomfort.
- Detailed medical consultation: The doctor assesses the type, depth and extent of the scars and rules out any contraindications. The laser parameters are also selected individually according to your skin concerns.
- Preparation and anaesthesia: To ensure maximum comfort, approximately 40-60 minutes before the procedure, a strong topical anaesthetic cream is applied to thoroughly cleansed skin and then covered with an occlusive dressing to enhance its effect.
- Laser procedure: After removing the anaesthetic and disinfecting the skin, the doctor places the laser handpiece against the treatment area and delivers a series of pulses. You may feel warmth, burning and notice a characteristic smell. Thanks to topical anaesthesia and specialised cooling airflow, the procedure is generally well tolerated. It usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
- Completion and soothing care: Once the laser treatment is complete, specialised soothing and regenerating products are applied to the face to provide immediate relief to the heated skin.
Contraindications to e-CO2 laser treatment
Ablative laser therapy is an invasive procedure and therefore requires strict adherence to safety principles. The treatment cannot be performed in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Use of oral retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin): A minimum of 6 months must have passed since completing the treatment.
- Recent tanning (sun exposure, solarium) or use of self-tanning products within the previous 4 weeks.
- Active bacterial, viral (especially herpes) or fungal infections on the face.
- Use of photosensitising herbs (e.g. St John’s wort, calendula) and certain medications or antibiotics.
- A tendency to develop keloid scars.
- Cancer and uncontrolled autoimmune diseases (e.g. psoriasis, vitiligo).
How should you care for your skin after the treatment? (post-treatment recommendations)
It is important to know that e-CO2 laser treatment requires a recovery period, usually lasting around 5 to 7 days. Immediately after leaving the clinic, the skin will be intensely red, swollen and may feel hot or burning – similar to a severe sunburn. A grid-like pattern from the laser handpiece may be visible on the skin, followed over time by small, dark scabs.
During this crucial healing period, you should strictly follow the recommendations below:
- Hygiene is essential: Wash your face only with boiled water or very gentle products recommended by your doctor. Use clean, disposable towels.
- Do not touch or scratch the skin: Under no circumstances should you peel off flaking skin or scabs. Accelerating this process may result in pigmentation or new scars. The skin must exfoliate naturally.
- Intensive moisturising: Apply only specialised moisturising, protective and regenerating creams intended for use after laser procedures, for example products containing allantoin or panthenol, as recommended by your specialist.
- Complete sun protection: Sun exposure must be strictly avoided for at least 4 weeks after the procedure. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. UV exposure on laser-treated skin may result in persistent hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients: During the healing period, avoid cosmetics containing AHA/BHA acids, retinol or vitamin C.
- Avoid strenuous activity: For the first few days, avoid intensive exercise, saunas and hot baths to prevent increased swelling and reduce the risk of infection.
The full effect of a single treatment develops over 3 to 6 months, as this is how long the complete neocollagenesis process, or production of new collagen, takes. In the case of deep scars, a course of 3 to 5 treatments performed at intervals of 4-6 weeks is recommended to achieve optimal results.
Do not let scars from the past define how you feel about your skin today. Modern technology makes it possible to effectively and safely improve skin texture and achieve a smoother complexion.
Contact us to book a qualification consultation. Our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions and prepare a treatment plan tailored to the needs of your skin.